Coast Guard Authorized to Burn Oil Off Florida, Health Notification Issued
June 19th, 2010“Don’t panic.”
—The Management
Sonja Daniel, who has a house on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, wears a mask Sunday, June 6, 2010 as she sunbathes on the beach of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Baldwin County, Ala. (AP Photo/Mobile Press Register, Kate Mercer) 
Via: NFW Daily News:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection authorized the Coast Guard to burn oil offshore, and the county is warning people of potential health issues.
Particulate matter, an airborne mix of very small particles and liquid droplets, may reach the shore, according to an Okaloosa County Health Department news release.
Particulate matter may not reach the shore if the fires are far enough away. Responders will monitor weather conditions and “stop the burn right away if there is any problem,” the release reads.
People on the coast may smell the oil spill odor of volatile organic compounds, similar to the smell at a gas station.
“You can smell these VOCs at levels well below those that would make you sick,” the release reads.
Exposure to low levels may cause eye, nose, skin and throat irritation.
